Master of Science Degree in Counseling, School Counseling

The Master of Science Degree in Counseling with an emphasis in School Counseling is designed to prepare effective educational counselors to work in elementary, junior high/middle, and high school settings. 

The 52-semester unit program can be completed in two and a half years while attending full-time. The courses include educational counseling classes, specialty classes, and an 800-hour fieldwork experience. The courses reflect a practitioner emphasis, and some are taught by faculty working within various local school districts. All courses for the degree are conveniently offered weekdays after 5:00 pm on the Bakersfield campus. 

Upon completion of all School Counseling coursework, graduates of the School Counseling Program are recommended to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) for issuances of the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in School Counseling. Extensive field-based experience is woven throughout the curriculum to provide hands-on training in many diverse school settings. 

Year One Required Courses

Fall

EDCS 5120: Introduction to Individual Counseling (3 units)
EDCS 5140: Introduction to Counseling in Schools (3 units)
EDCS 5160: Theories in Educational Counseling (3 units)
EDCS 5210: Practicum I (2 units)

Spring

EDCS 5050: Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling (3 units)
EDCS 5130: Multicultural Counseling (3 units)
EDCS 5150: Crisis Counseling (3 units)
EDCS 5220: Practicum II (2 units)

Year Two Required Courses

Fall

EDCS 6110: Research and Evaluation in Counseling (3 units)
EDCS 6130: Comprehensive School Counseling (3 units)
EDCS 6360: Fieldwork I (4 units)

Spring

EDCS 6150: Academic and Career Counseling (3 units)
EDCS 6160: Introduction to Group Counseling (3)
EDCS 6370: Fieldwork II (4 units)

Year Three Required Courses

Fall

EDCS 6290: Collaboration & Leadership in Counseling (3 units)
EDCS 6330: Comprehensive Exam (3 units)
EDCS 6380: Fieldwork III (4 units)
 

PPS School Counseling Preconditions, Program Standards, and Performance Expectations
View the PPS School Counseling Preconditions, Program Standards, and Performance Expectations document. 

Apply to the Program

Applications for Fall 2025 are due March 1, 2025. 

Please contact Amani Hernandez, Program Admissions Advisor, with any questions. 
(661) 654-3193
aalshaif@csub.edu
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